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Liverpool’s pursuit of Marcos Rojo received a setback as reports in Italy suggest that Juventus also want to make a swoop for the Argentinean international.

The Premier League club had kept Rojo as a back-up for Alberto Moreno- if the deal for the Sevilla player didn’t materialize. With the Moreno deal not progressing, Liverpool’s attention had turned to the Sporting Lisbon defender and they were looking to bring in the player who is currently at the World Cup with his country.

Liverpool’s interest in the player got known to the public as early as in March when Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Liverpool scouts present for the Sporting Lisbon and Porto match were there to watch the full back.

Liverpool’s defensive needs are glaring as it was cited as the prime reason for the club to not win the title they lost out by 2 points. With the central defence still okay, the full back spots are asking for attention. It was no surprise that Moreno’s name was one of the first which got reported early on in the transfer window, as the Spanish international is a very competent right back and only 21, has not even reached his full potential.

With that deal pretty much dead, reports started doing rounds that the Reds have shifted their attention to Sporting’s Rojo, who is 24 and is vastly experienced at all levels for his age. However, it seems that the Merseyside club are now going to face serious competition as Serie A league holders Juventus also appear to be in the running for the player

The Daily Express states that the reigning Serie A champions, Juventus, are preparing to lodge a £10m bid to rope in the defender from the Portuguese club. They believe the sum would be enough for the club to part with the player.

However, both the clubs will face more competition if reports of Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Napoli being interested in the player are true.

“Obviously I’d like to play for Barcelona, but I have not yet spoken with Leo Messi about it. I only know what is said in the media. I want to keep my head down and do well at the World Cup. I have clearly impressed in the last year in Europe, so afterwards I will see what will become of my future.

Any of the interested clubs will benefit from the inclusion of the versatile Argentina international, who can play both as a left back and a central defender and has the ability to play further up as a wingback too. The player is known for his speed and good offensive instincts, and was instrumental in helping his club secure the second place in the Portuguese league.